The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c16.48

v1.c16.48

Tāranāth informs us that Gopāla first began to reign in Bengal and then brought Magadha under his power. Though mixed up with stories, the account of the Tibetan historian about the election of Gopāla is in agreement with the Khalimpur grant. The statement that Gopāla was first raised to the throne of Bengal appears to be also supported by the commentary of the *Rāmacarita* which refers to Varendrī as the *janakabhū* of Rāmapāla. The Kamauli grant of Vaidyadeva also refers to the recovery of the *janakabhū* by Rāmapāla, which is taken by some scholars to mean Varendrī.¹ The Monghyr grant of Devapāla informs us that Gopāla conquered the world up to the sea (*vijitya yenā jaladhe vasundharām*).² From the fact that his son was able to undertake extensive military campaigns it is not improbable that Gopāla fully consolidated his position before he died. The Bhagalpur grant of Nārāyaṇapāla compares him with *Lokanātha Daśabala* (Buddha), both being said to have overcome the *Kāmakāris*.³ In the Khalimpur record of his son he is given the epithet *parama-Saugata*. According to Tāranāth 'he built the Nalandara temple not far from Otantapura and reigned for 45 years.'⁴ We have no dated colophons of MSS. or inscriptions of his reign.